Balance vs.

Burnout
Grants Managers Network March 2007

Margaret Donohoe

Leadership In Transition

Words of wisdom
We need to learn ways to be competent, effective, brilliant and successful while keeping our soul intact and not killing ourselves. Unknown

Clues?

What clues do you have that a colleague is thriving, resilient, balanced?

(language, behaviors they use or others use?)

Clues?

How about when they are struggling, burned out, in survival mode?

How would you define?

Balance Surviving Resilient Sustainable Thriving Karoshi

Nonprofit leadership paradox

Why is it that those of us who work diligently to make the world better for others, often make our own lives more difficult?

Sources of Burnout

Some of the issues are endemic to our sector and the type of work we do Some are endemic to us as individuals As nonprofit grant managers we need to accept (be aware of) the things we cannot change, have the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference

Big, big job

The job of a grants manager isnt rocket science. It is actually much more complicated..

Potential organizational sources of burnout

Agreement and alignment Mission with boundaries Clear priorities Respect and trust Mission vs. bottom line Risk vs. reward Accountability Professional development

Fit and reflection

Can we articulate organizational culture and values? Are we screening for values and expectations as well as skills? Do we hire and reward push vs. pull managers? How do we help staff separate temporary burnout from need for a career transition?

Work smart instead of hard

Dont allow staff culture to thrive on overwhelm 80/20 rule Perfection is the typical reason we work so hard. We have trouble living with ambiguity and risk

Where to begin .

Realistic job responsibilities Better expectations and fit at hiring Generational change Vacation policies What are other ways organizations can reduce the risk for burnout?

Burnout is inherent in the job

The sector attracts and demands individuals who give 110 percent, are idealistic, are passionate about their work, are self-motivated and think that anything is possible if they just work hard enough.

Clinical definition of .
Individuals who give 110 percent, are idealistic, passionate about their work, self-motivated and think that anything is possible if they just work at it long enough.

Is there a good fit?

How does this position fit into your career plan? Does your management or style complement or conflict with the agency culture? Access your own skills against the demand/expectations of the position. Do you have realistic job expectations that allow for professional and personal balance?

Should I stay or should I go?

Do you still love the work you are doing? Do you receive supportive or appreciative feedback ? Are your management skills appropriate to the current demands of the job? Do your career and personal goals still complement each other? Would additional support or training help you deal with the opportunities and challenges at hand? Have you ever taken more than one week of vacation?

Balance is critical

Balance is our responsibility. No one can provide it for us - every persons needs and values are different Our ability to contribute and be effective is greatly diminished if we neglect our personal balance Your passion can be both a fault as well as an attribute

Where to begin

Only you can define and rebalance your life and priorities. Rethink your work-ethic from working hard to working smart the 80/20 rule. Model new behavior - dont allow yourself to thrive on overwhelm. Perfection is the typical reason we work so hard. How can you learn to accept ambiguity and risk? What are other ways we can find greater balance and reduce our risk for burnout?

Words of Wisdom
Have fun in your command. Dont always run at breakneck pace. Take time when youve earned it and spend time with your family. Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, not themselves.
General Colin Powell

Tools you can use

Workaholism: The Respectable Addiction Webmd.com 8/04 Defeating Overwhelm hbswk.hbs.edu 1/05 Making Peace with Time
Gilbert.org 11/99

Creating Simpler Ways to Get Stuff Done Bill Jensen Generations: The Challenge of a Lifetime Fieldstonealliance.org 3/07

Sustainable

Harvesting or using a resource without depleting or damaging it